St. Andrew’s Day, observed every year on November 30, is a national holiday in Scotland. Also known as Feast of Saint Andrew, the day that marks the beginning of Scotland’s winter festivities. St Andrew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, who was martyred on an X-shaped cross. He is the patron saint of Scotland and Russia.
St Andrew holds a special place in Christian tradition. A fisherman by trade and the brother of St. Peter, St Andrew is revered for his missionary work. In 1320, St Andrew officially became the patron saint of Scotland at the time of the country's independence with the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath.
